Locking your keys inside your car is one of those frustrating mistakes that seems to happen when you’re least expecting it. Whether you’ve stepped away to refuel, closed the boot while the keys were still inside, or accidentally locked them in during a busy day, being stranded beside your own vehicle is never a pleasant experience. While calling a locksmith is often the fastest and most reliable solution, there are a few approaches you can consider first that might save time and money—provided you go about them safely and sensibly.

First, Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Before you take any action, it’s worth stopping for a moment and thinking things through. Is the car in a safe location? Is it running or completely locked and switched off? Are there children or pets inside? Safety comes first, and if there’s a risk to health or wellbeing—such as a child or animal trapped on a hot day—it’s best to call the emergency services or roadside assistance straight away.

If no one is at risk and the car is securely parked, take a moment to double-check all the doors and windows. It’s surprisingly common to find that one door wasn’t properly closed or that a back window has been left slightly ajar. Gently pressing a rear window down further may allow just enough space to unlock the door or retrieve the keys with a tool if you’re lucky.

Try Spare Keys or Connected Services

If you have a spare key at home and someone can bring it to you, this is by far the simplest solution. Many modern cars also come with connected services or apps that allow remote unlocking. Manufacturers like Ford, BMW, Tesla and others offer smartphone apps that can unlock doors remotely if your vehicle is equipped with the right system and your phone is registered.

It’s worth checking whether your car brand offers this feature and whether you’ve set it up previously. If not, you may need to explore some manual methods with extreme care—or decide whether calling a professional is the better choice.

Using a Shoelace or String for Lift-Up Locks

This method only works on older cars with traditional lift-up locks—the type you pull upwards to unlock, usually located on the inside of the door near the window. If this matches your car’s setup and you have a shoelace or length of thin, strong string to hand, it might be worth a try.

Tie a small loop in the centre of the string, feed it carefully through the top of the door frame (gently prising the door away from the car with care), and try to position the loop around the lock. Once in place, pull both ends of the string to tighten the loop and lift the lock. It takes patience and precision, and success isn’t guaranteed, but it’s one of the few tricks that might work without tools.

Wedge and Rod Method for Horizontal Locks

If your car uses a horizontal lock mechanism or unlock button located inside the door panel, some people attempt to use a wedge and rod method to unlock the door. This involves gently creating a gap between the top corner of the door and the body of the car using a soft wedge—often made of rubber or plastic—then inserting a long rod or coat hanger to press the unlock button.

It’s worth noting that this method can easily result in damage to the car’s paintwork, door seal, or locking system if done without care or the correct tools. Most professionals use inflatable pump wedges and special rods designed for this task. If you attempt this method with improvised tools, proceed with extreme caution and only if you’re certain you won’t cause harm to your vehicle.

Check Your Breakdown Cover or Insurance

Many car insurance policies or breakdown services include lockout assistance as part of their cover, even if you haven’t used them before. If you have roadside assistance through your bank, car dealership, or a third-party provider, you may be able to access help without calling a separate locksmith—and without additional cost.

Ring your insurer or breakdown company and explain the situation. Some can dispatch someone to open your car for you or arrange for recovery to your home if needed. It’s worth checking the details of your cover so you don’t overlook help that may already be available to you.

When It’s Time to Call a Professional

If all else fails, or if you’re unsure about trying anything yourself, contacting a professional locksmith or roadside recovery service may be the safest option. Many auto locksmiths can open locked vehicles without damaging the lock or the bodywork and can also help cut replacement keys if yours are lost or damaged.

Calling a professional may cost more than a DIY attempt, but it also minimises the risk of scratching your car, damaging electronic locking systems, or setting off alarms. It also ensures you regain access quickly—especially useful if you’re stuck in a car park, on a work break, or in adverse weather.

Avoiding Future Lockouts

Once you’ve resolved the issue and retrieved your keys, it’s worth taking a few preventative steps to avoid repeat incidents. Keeping a spare key in a safe but accessible place at home or with a trusted friend or family member can save a lot of trouble. For those with smart keys, consider using a key tracking device that connects to your phone and alerts you if you leave the key behind or lock it inside the vehicle.

Many modern vehicles have settings to prevent doors from locking if the key is detected inside—check your manual or dealership to see if your car offers this feature. A little planning can go a long way toward avoiding the stress of another lockout in future.